Title

Author

Date of Defense

4-16-1992

Department

Anthropology

First Advisor

Dr. Charles Rutheiser

Second Advisor

Dr. Larry Israels

Third Advisor

Dr. Gurudharm Singh Khalsa

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the cultural adaptations of Sikh immigrants to Michigan, and especially the effects of migration on their ethnic identity. It is based on research I conducted in Detroit and Kalamazoo, Michigan and will take into consideration previous works on the study of Sikh migration by anthropologists such as, Helweg (1990) and A. Cohen (1980) and various others in the fields of religion and sociology. My own research was conducted on the changing conceptions of Sikh identity. The outward symbols of Sikh identity have played an important part in their history and abilities to adapt into the new host culture, along with posing barriers.